# GLUE

> GNU Internet groupware project

**Wikidata**: [Q113457966](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113457966)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/glue

## Summary
GLUE is a free software groupware application developed as part of the GNU Project, designed for internet-based collaboration and knowledge management. It enables users to share information and coordinate activities over the web. The project emphasizes user freedom through its adherence to free software principles.

## Key Facts
- GLUE is part of the GNU Project, which began in 1983.
- It is classified as collaborative software, a GNU package, and free software.
- Its primary use case is knowledge management.
- Official websites include https://www.gnu.org/software/glue/ and http://glue.sourceforge.net/.
- Also known by aliases such as GNU Links Users Everywhere and GNU GLUE.
- Hosted on SourceForge with project ID "glue" and listed in the GNU Savannah directory under the same name.
- Mailing list archives are available at https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/glue/.

## FAQs
### Q: What is GLUE used for?
A: GLUE is used for internet-based group collaboration and knowledge management. It allows groups to share resources and coordinate tasks online using free software tools.

### Q: Is GLUE free software?
A: Yes, GLUE is distributed as free software, meaning users can freely run, study, modify, and redistribute it according to the principles of the GNU Project.

### Q: Where can I find GLUE's official documentation or community support?
A: GLUE’s development and user discussions take place on mailing lists archived at https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/glue/. Official documentation and downloads are available via its GNU and SourceForge pages.

## Why It Matters
GLUE plays an important role within the ecosystem of free software by offering a toolset tailored for decentralized, internet-enabled teamwork. As part of the broader GNU Project, it supports the vision of technological autonomy and user control. By focusing on open standards and accessibility, GLUE contributes to reducing dependency on proprietary systems in organizational communication and knowledge sharing. Though less widely adopted than some alternatives, it represents a principled approach to digital collaboration rooted in ethical software practices.

## Notable For
- Being part of the historic GNU Project initiated by Richard Stallman in 1983.
- Emphasizing free software freedoms in the domain of internet groupware.
- Integration into the Free Software Directory under both “Glue” and “GLUE.”
- Dual hosting presence on both GNU’s official site and SourceForge.
- Active archival of communications through GNU mailing list infrastructure.

## Body

### Overview
GLUE stands for **GNU Links Users Everywhere**, a groupware suite created to facilitate collaborative work over the Internet. Developed under the umbrella of the GNU Project, it aligns with the philosophy of promoting software freedom and user rights.

### Development & Affiliation
As a component of the GNU Project:
- Inception date: September 27, 1983.
- Industry context: Software industry.
- Broader mission: To provide a complete operating system composed entirely of free software.

GLUE maintains formal listings across multiple platforms:
- GNU Savannah project ID: `glue`
- SourceForge project page: `glue`

These dual listings reflect its integration into both traditional GNU distribution channels and wider open-source hosting ecosystems.

### Technical Details
Classified under several categories:
- Instance of: Collaborative software, GNU package, Free software
- Primary function: Knowledge management

Its core design revolves around enabling shared access to documents, calendars, task lists, and other collaborative assets over networked environments.

### Accessibility & Community
The project provides public access to:
- Website (primary): https://www.gnu.org/software/glue/
- Mirror/source code repository: http://glue.sourceforge.net/
- Mailing list archive: https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/glue/

These resources serve developers, administrators, and end-users interested in deploying or contributing to GLUE.

### Licensing & Philosophy
Consistent with all GNU packages, GLUE adheres to the principles of free software:
- Users have the right to use, copy, examine, modify, and redistribute copies.
- Encourages transparency and community involvement in development.
  
This licensing model ensures long-term sustainability and trustworthiness in environments where vendor lock-in and data privacy are concerns.

## References

1. [Source](https://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/glue)